Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Green Jobs - Green NY?
A: Green Jobs - Green NY is a statewide initiative to promote energy efficiency, reduce energy consumption and costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create green jobs. NYSERDA administers the Green Jobs - Green NY program.
Green Jobs - Green NY benefits include free or reduced cost energy audits for home and business, financing to help residential customers and multifamily building owners pay for the implementation of recommended energy efficiency improvements, and workforce training opportunities.
Program eligibility requirements apply, future program enhancements include financing options for businesses and multifamily building owners.
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Q: How do I participate in Green Jobs - Green NY?
A: If you are a New York State resident living in a 1-4 family home: You can participate in Green Jobs - Green NY through NYSERDA's Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Program (HPwES). The Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program provides a comprehensive home assessment (energy audit), which identifies cost-effective energy savings opportunities in the home. The program helps identify available incentives to help off-set the cost of the work, as well as financing options, if needed, to cover the remaining portion of the project. Free or reduced audits, explained below, are available. To participate, contact 1-877-NYSMART (1-877-697-6278) or find step-by-step instructions at What to Expect from Home Performance with ENERGY STAR.
If you are a multifamily building owner in New York State: You can participate in Green Jobs - Green NY through NYSERDA's Multifamily Performance Program (MPP). MPP provides a comprehensive building assessment and identifies cost-effective energy savings opportunities in the building. The program identifies any available incentives to off-set the cost of the work, as well as financing options, if needed, to cover the remaining portion of the project. To participate, call 1-877-NYSMART (1-877-697-6278) or visit Make Your Multifamily Building More Efficient.
If you are a Small Business or Not-For Profit Organization in New York State: Energy audits for small businesses and not-for-profits with an energy demand of 100KW or less will be initially provided at no cost to the customer. Limited funds are available to provide low-cost audits. A customer audit fee may be implemented when the funds are exhausted. Customers with demand above 100kW who are SBC-eligible customers may receive a Commercial Energy Audit on a cost-shared basis, typically 50 percent, through NYSERDA's existing FlexTech Program. SBC-eligible applicants are New York State electricity or firm gas distribution customers of a participating utility company who pay into the System Benefits Charge.
If you are not a multifamily building owner, residential customer, or a small business or not-for-profit organization: NYSERDA may have other programs available to help you make energy efficient improvements. Please visit, NYSERDA or call 1-866-NYSERDA (1-866-697-3732).
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Q: What is an energy audit?
A: For 1-4 family homes: The energy audit, or comprehensive home assessment, provides homeowners with valuable information regarding the existing condition of their home, and identifies areas where energy efficiency, and related comfort, health and safety improvements can and should be made. The assessments are completed by Building Performance Institute Accredited, HPwES contractors, who have been trained in taking a ‘whole-house’ approach when testing homes and identifying energy efficiency improvements.
During the energy audit, which generally lasts one to three hours, the contractor completes a visual inspection of the living space, attic, basement (or crawl spaces), and performs a number of tests using special diagnostic equipment. This equipment includes a blower door, which helps the contractor measure how much, and where, air is leaking from the home. The contractor will also perform essential health and safety tests to determine whether the major combustion appliances (furnace, boiler, hot water tank and stove) in the home are operating safely.
Using results from the energy audit, the home performance contractor will explain what improvements can be made, and develop a proposal detailing the recommended improvements and the associated costs and energy savings estimates. The customer and HPwES contractor work together to agree on the work to be accomplished.
For Multifamily Buildings: Before applying to the Green Jobs - Green NY program, the multifamily building representative needs to identify a consultant to work with to perform the audit. NYSERDA calls these consultants Multifamily Performance Partners. A list is available here.
The first thing the Partner will do is request energy use information for the building(s), so you'll need to have a couple of years of electric and fuel bills on hand to get started. The Partner needs to look at the bills to determine what's going right and what's going wrong with the energy use in the building.
Once the Partner has looked at the bills, the partner will schedule a one or two-day site visit to the building to examine its systems, and talk to the management and the residents to gather information. This information will help guide the development of a package of improvements that can be installed to save energy. The Partner will need access to a small sample of apartments to get all of the information needed. The Partner will then figure out how much energy each improvement could save.
The results from the analysis are discussed with the building representative(s) and a package of improvements that the building is interested in pursuing is agreed upon. This package is put into a report called an energy audit. It shows the cost and energy savings of each of the improvements. Once the energy audit is developed, it is submitted to NYSERDA for approval. Once approved, NYSERDA and the Partner will work with the building representative(s) to identify incentives and install the improvements.
For Small Business or Not-For-Profit Organizations: The Full Walkthrough Commercial Audit will examine and provide recommendations for all building systems. A Technology or Equipment Specific Commercial Audit (not yet available) will provide basic information on energy usage, and include recommendations on only one or more of the systems or equipment replacement or upgrade opportunities in the building. Currently, only the Full walkthrough audit is available to customers.
Full Walkthrough Commercial Energy Audit will provide customers with a thorough examination of energy usage, a set of recommendations for qualified energy efficiency services, and include estimates of the cost of implementation, and associated energy and energy cost savings. Each Full Walkthrough Commercial Energy Audit will result in a written report.
Technology or Equipment Specific Commercial Audit with a more limited scope will be developed for customers who are interested in an examination of a particular energy using system or opportunity to replace/upgrade a specific piece of equipment.
Commercial Energy Audits for small businesses and not-for-profits is currently being delivered by NYSERDA using the existing FlexTech program. Utility audits which meet the Standards for Small Business Energy Audits can be used to support an application for financing under the Green Jobs - Green NY Program.
For more information on what to expect, visit the energy audit program.
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Q: How much will the energy audit cost?
A: If you are a New York State resident living in a 1-4 family home: The audit will be free to New York State residents with incomes less than 200 percent of the median county income. A sliding scale will be used to determine the audit cost for New York State residents between 200 percent and 400 percent of the median county income. New York State residents with income greater than 400 percent will pay the full cost of the audit.
If you are a multifamily building owner in New York State: NYSERDA will cost share audits for multifamily projects. Depending upon the size of the project and whether it contains affordable housing, cost share ranges from $2,500 per project to upwards of $10,000. For the detailed incentive schedule please visit the Existing Buildings Incentive Schedule [PDF]
If you are a Small Business or Not-for Profit Organization in New York State: Energy audits for small businesses and not-for-profits with an energy demand of 100KW or less will be initially provided at no cost to the customer. Limited funds are available to provide low-cost audits. A customer audit fee may be implemented when the funds are exhausted. Customers with demand above 100kW who are SBC-eligible customers may receive a Commercial Energy Audit on a cost-shared basis, typically 50 percent, through NYSERDA's existing FlexTech Program.
SBC-eligible applicants are New York State electricity or firm gas distribution customers of a participating utility company who pay into the System Benefits Charge.
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Q: What types of measure may be recommended for my building?
A: The comprehensive building assessment or audit performed on your building will identify the specific cost effective measures that will save you money on your energy bills. These measures may include weather stripping; caulking; testing; repairing and replacing heating or cooling systems; thermostat upgrades; water heater repair and replacement; health and safety issues; repair and replacement of storm windows, permanent windows and exterior doors; repair or replacement of major household appliances; installation of solar thermal heating or hot water systems; insulation; replacement of inefficient light bulbs and fixtures and; fuel switching to convert an electrically heated building to a more efficient heating system, as well as other improvements.
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Q: Who will be doing the work in my home or building?
A: If you are a New York State resident living in a 1-4 family home: The Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program requires customers to use a Building Performance Institute (BPI)-accredited contractor. BPI is a national resource for building science technology that sets standards for assessing and improving the energy performance, as well as the health and safety of homes. Each participating contractor has been trained in taking a ‘whole-house’ approach when testing your home and identifying energy efficiency improvements. Visit a BPI-accredited contractor in your area. To request a list of BPI-accredited contractors in your area by mail, contact 1-877-NYSMART.
If your household income is at or below 60 percent of the State Median Income, you may be eligible for the Weatherization Assistance Program. The program is administered by the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) and provides cost-effective energy efficiency improvements at no cost to you. For more details, please visit, the Weatherization Assistance Program
or contact 1-866-ASK-DHCR (1-866-275-3427).
If you are a multifamily building owner in New York State: The Multifamily Building Performance Program requires building owners to work with a NYSERDA approved Partner. The Partners are energy service contractors who have demonstrated the ability to provide building performance services to multifamily buildings. The Partners help the building owners with each aspect of project implementation beginning with initial energy audits, preparation of construction documents; construction, commissioning, and thorough savings verification one year after the measures are installed. The Partner will assist the building owner with selecting the contractors who will perform the actual work in the building.
If you are a Small Business or Not-for Profit Organization in New York State: Currently, energy audits will be delivered by NYSERDA using the existing FlexTech program. Utility audits which meet the Standards for Small business Energy Audits can be used to support an application for financing under the Green Jobs - Green NY Program.
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Q: Are there incentives to help pay for the Energy Efficiency improvements?
A: Homeowners participating in NYSERDA program can receive 10 percent of the cost of eligible energy efficiency improvements, up to a maximum incentive of $3,000, directly from the program. Certain households may qualify for the Assisted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program, and receive a grant of 50 percent of the cost of the work, up to $5,000 (or up to $10,000 for a two-to-four unit building.) Check additional incentives based on income eligibility for more information.
Utilities may also offer incentives. However, a customer cannot accept incentives from NYSERDA and their local utility for the same improvement. For example, if a customer receives a rebate from a utility after purchasing a new furnace, they cannot also obtain an incentive payment from NYSERDA in connection with the same purchase. Eligibility, sources and amounts of incentives vary, therefore, it is the responsibility of the applicant to check the eligibility criteria from each funding source to determine if combining such funds would be allowed.
Green Jobs - Green NY will provide access to financing to assist you in financing the remaining costs of the project, as explained below.
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Q: What are the specifics of the financing options under the Green Jobs - Green NY Program?
A: If you are a New York State resident living in a 1-4 family home: Financing is available to participants in the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program who would like to install recommended energy efficiency measures. Loans, which are capped at $25,000 for residential properties, will help homeowners pay for recommended energy improvements. The interest rate is subject to change, so check Energy Finance Solutions for the current rate. Repayment periods of 5, 10 and 15 years are available. The loan repayment period cannot exceed the useful life of the financed measures. Homeowners are responsible for any remaining balance. The minimum financing amount is $3,000 for HPwES and $1,500 for customers that qualify for Assisted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR. All work must be completed by a HPwES contractor participating in HPwES and is subject to inspection by NYSERDA.
Homeowners seeking financing must complete and sign financing documentation. Availability of financing will be subject to qualification criteria. NYSERDA has the right to access a credit report(s), a FICO score, utility payment history, and perform similar credit related activities for the purpose of evaluating an applicant's creditworthiness.
The proceeds from the loan will be assigned by the borrower to be paid directly to the HPwES contractor(s). Contractors will receive payment by the loan originator, after the borrower agrees the work is completed to his/her satisfaction and signs the Certificate of Completion. The application process will be integrated into HPwES and MPP.
To pursue financing, a customer must have a qualified energy audit that identifies energy efficiency services to be undertaken. In determining the amount eligible for financing, NYSERDA will take the total cost of the project including the removal of equipment or systems to be replaced, the purchase and installation of new systems or equipment, and the purchase and installation of any required ancillary equipment and related services. Project costs may also include the customer's expense for an energy audit.
If you are a Small Business or Not-for Profit Organization in New York State: Green Jobs - Green NY financing details for the Small Business / Not-for-Profit sectors are not yet available. At a minimum, eligible applicants will be able to finance up to $26,000 through the Green Jobs - Green NY Loan Fund.
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Q: Am I eligible to refinance an existing loan for energy efficiency upgrades if I currently have a loan with a higher interest rate?
A: No, Green Jobs - Green NY financing is only available for new energy efficiency work taking place through one of the programs above after an application is approved. Refinancing of closed loans is not allowed.
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Q: What training is available to become a participating HPwES Contractor?
A: Building Performance Institute (BPI) Recognized Training is available at many locations across New York State. The courses prepare students to take exams required to become a BPI-certified technician. Each participating contractor must have a staff member with a Building Analyst certification, and a staff member with either an Envelope Professional or Heating Professional certification. A partial subsidy is available for training.
To learn more about the types of certification and training classes available, visit BPI training schedules. In addition, participating contractors must be accredited by BPI. To learn more about it, visit the Building Performance Institute.
Q: What training is available to become a MPP Partner and provide audits through Green Jobs - Green NY?
A: MPP partners must have the Building Performance Institute Multifamily Building Analyst (MFBA) certification. Training to prepare for the MFBA certification is available through The Center for Energy Efficiency & Building Science (CEEBS) Classes are currently conducted in New York City, Syracuse, and Troy. For more information, visit the Green Career Training Map.
Q: What training will be available to become a participating energy auditor for the small business/not-for-profit program?
A: NYSERDA will develop and deliver Commercial Energy Audit training. The training will include use of energy estimating software tools, and application of Program auditing requirements. The training will likely be available through several CEEBS locations.
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Q: Where can I receive training to conduct energy audits and isntall eligible measures as part of the Green Jobs - Green NY Program?
A: NYSERDA has established training centers and has developed other training partnerships around the State. The centers are coordinated through Hudson Valley Community College and are organized as the CEEBS. NYSERDA also will work closely with the NYS Department of Labor and partner with constituency-based organizations, workforce development organizations, and labor organizations to provide the necessary workforce training to support the initiative, including entry-level training, continuing education and advanced training, and apprenticeships. To locate a training site, visit the Green Career Training Map.
Q: What role will constituency based organizations (CBOs) play in the implementation of the program?
A: CBOs will conduct outreach, marketing, and education through a coordinated approach that targets communities. The CBO outreach effort will focus on residents, small businesses, Not-For-Profits, multifamily building owners, and potential workforce participants. NYSERDA has evaluated areas to target and will issue a competitive solicitation to select CBOs to serve priority communities.
The RFP will seek proposals from CBOs, or consortiums of CBOs, to develop awareness, and enroll participants in the program to receive energy audits and energy efficiency retrofits through qualified contractors. Through the RFP, CBOs will also be selected to promote awareness and enroll workers in the Green Jobs Green NY training services program. Information relating to this process will be posted under Current Funding Opportunities at NYSERDA.
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Q: What is the difference between the Green Jobs - Green NY Program and the GRBP?
A: NYSERDA has been tasked by the Legislature and Governor to administer the Green Jobs - Green NY initiative and Green Residential Building Program and both will begin in 2010. While both are new tools for NYSERDA to promote energy efficiency in New York State, they are quite different and targeted to different sectors of the building market. Here is a breakdown of the key differences:
- Green Jobs - Green NY will be available to owners of existing 1-4 family homes through the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR (HPwES) program. The program will offer loans (up to $25,000) through a state-operated revolving loan fund for building energy efficiency retrofits and repairs. NYSERDA will partner with constituency-based organizations to educate community members about the program and the importance of energy efficiency and building performance, and increase workforce development initiatives to train workers. Depending on income level, home owners may be eligible for free or low-cost energy audits, which are done by BPI-accredited contractors participating in NYSERDA's Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program. Home owners may then contract with a participating HPwES contractor to complete the work. This may include installing insulation, caulking and air-sealing to stop air leaks, or replacing thermostats, light bulbs, windows and doors, and heating and cooling equipment. Depending on how the work is financed, home owners may be able use the savings from reduced energy use to pay back the loan on their utility bills.
- GRBP is an incentive program and applies only to new residential construction and substantially renovated existing residential buildings with less than 12 dwelling units. The program encourages building owners to build and certify green buildings. The incentive is paid to the building owners after completion of construction and successful green building certification that meet the programs requirements. For more information, visit the Green Residential Building Program.
Q: How do I learn more?
A: NYSERDA maintains a ListServ that sends updates about any changes to its program. Sign up by providing your email address to the NYSERDA Mailing List.
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Last Updated: 03/30/2012